Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The United States is considering repealing the Jackson-Vanik Amendment for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries. This statement was made by Senator Marco Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump for the position of U.S. Secretary of State.

The issue was discussed on 15 January during hearings on Capitol Hill.

Senator Steve Daines of Montana raised the topic, reminding that Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have repeatedly requested the repeal of the amendment.

Daines noted that one of the primary goals of the Central Asia Caucus, which he co-founded with Senator Gary Peters, is to grant these countries permanent normal trade relations. He emphasized that lifting the restrictions would be an act of goodwill, enabling the region to develop with the help of new tools.

In response, Rubio described the Jackson-Vanik Amendment as an "archaic measure" that has lost its relevance in modern times.

He argued that using this mechanism to pressure Central Asian states is no longer justified. Rubio also referenced the U.S. Department of Commerce's recognition of Kazakhstan as a market economy and the hosting of a WTO ministerial conference in the country as evidence of significant progress in the region.

Rubio added that repealing the amendment would require legislative changes and expressed his readiness to collaborate with colleagues to achieve this goal. He stressed the importance of this issue and his intention to contribute to its resolution.

Daines, in turn, characterized Central Asia as a region with great but untapped potential that deserves increased attention. He highlighted the region's strategic significance following the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and expressed hope for a C5+1 summit involving Central Asian countries and the U.S.

Notably, in March 2024, Senator Daines and Congressman Mike Rogers visited Tashkent, where they met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The Jackson-Vanik Amendment, adopted in 1974, restricted trade relations with countries that violated human rights. It was named after its sponsors, Congressmen Henry Jackson and Charles Vanik.